Group svg

What If I Told You I Almost Threw Away a $10K Idea?

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

Primary Blog/What If I Told You I Almost Threw Away a $10K Idea?

Have you ever had an idea that excited you—something you knew could be valuablebut fear stopped you from putting it out into the world? I know that feeling all too well because I almost let it kill a $10K launch.

​This is the story of how fear almost convinced me to scrap my 16 Palette Colour Analysis System, how I moved through the doubts, and why I’m so glad I did. If you’re holding back on something, let this be the sign you need to step past fear and bring your idea to life.

🎙️Listen to the podcast version of this blog post.

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML

The Idea That Almost Never Happened

I had the idea for my 16 Palette Colour Analysis System over two years ago. I started creating digital palettes, envisioning a modern, customizable approach to colour analysis that would give consultants more freedom to create and innovate. It felt fresh, exciting, and aligned with what my audience needed.

But instead of launching it right away, I stalled. For two years.

​Every time I made progress, fear crept in. I’d find myself second-guessing, doubting, and convincing myself it wasn’t ready. I’d tell myself:

  • What if people don’t like it?
  • What if it confuses my audience?
  • What if someone copies me?
  • What if I fail?

The result? Nothing happened. I had a powerful new system sitting in my files, not helping anyone and not generating income.

Finally, after two years of overthinking, I decided to push through the fear and launch the course. One month later, I had a $10K launch. And more importantly, I found myself reignited with joy, passion, and excitement for my work.

If I had listened to fear, I would have missed out—not just on the income, but on the incredible consultants now using this system to transform their businesses.

So, what held me back for so long? The same fears that hold most of us back when we’re about to step into something bigger. Let’s talk about them.​

The 5 Biggest Fears That Keep Us Stuck

If you’re hesitating to launch something—whether it’s a new offer, a course, or even just showing up online—it’s probably because of one (or more) of these fears. Here’s how I worked through each of them.

1. Fear of Rejection – "What if No One Likes My Idea?"

This is the big one. The fear that you’ll put your heart into something only to hear… crickets. Worse still, what if people actively dislike it and criticize you?

I definitely had this fear with my 16 Palette Colour Analysis System. My first course, The Certified Online Colour Analysis Expert, had been a huge success, helping stylists get confident with colour analysis. I knew it worked. But this new program? What if nobody wanted it?

How I Moved Through It:

I reminded myself that innovation requires risk. Every new idea is untested until you put it out there. And if I never launched, I’d never know if it had the potential to succeed.

The truth? People LOVED it. The feedback I’ve received has been incredible. And if some people hadn’t liked it? That would have been valuable data to refine and improve it—not a reason to quit.

Subscribe to 'Grow Your Styling Biz' Newsletter

Grow Your Styling Business Every Week!

Learn how to grow your styling business the right way using the latest marketing and sales information to secure more paid bookings.

2. Fear of Confusion – "What If My Audience Doesn’t Get It?"

This fear nearly paralyzed me. My first program was clear and structured—I knew exactly how to position it. But this new system was different. Would it confuse my audience? Would they think it replaced my first course? Would they wonder which one to choose?

How I Moved Through It:

Instead of assuming people would be confused, I got crystal clear on my messaging:

🥇Level 1: My Certified Online Colour Analysis Expert course is for stylists who are new to colour analysis or who need confidence in their existing system.

🥈Level 2: My 16 Palette Colour Analysis System is for experienced colour consultants who want to customize and innovate.

​Once I clearly articulated who each course was for, the confusion disappeared. And sales skyrocketed.

Stylepreneur Accelerator Mastermind For Consistent 3-5K Income

5 Step Success Path & Weekly Coaching For Personal Stylists Looking To Build Consistent 3-5K Monthly Income

Get Started Today for Just $1

  • 14 Day Trial Stylepreneur Accelerator Program (Value $197) specifically designed to help you reach 3-5K consistent monthly income so you never have to stress about money again.
  • ​FREE BONUS: The Art of Attracting Clients Ebook: 106 Proven Content Ideas for Stylists (Value $249) so you never run out ideas for content that converts again.
  • FREE BONUS: How To Create A Magnetic Lead Magnet Using ChatGPT Training (Value $199) so you can entice your perfect clients onto your mailing list fast.
  • FREE: The 6-Figure Stylist Book (Digital Copy) (Priceless) which shows you the step by step path to 6-figure success so you never have to doubt what you should be doing in your business every day.

3. Fear of Copycats – "What If Someone Steals My Idea?"

Let’s be real: this one is frustrating. I’ve had people copy my posts, graphics, and even exact course material before. It’s infuriating. So naturally, I wondered—if I put my new system out there, would someone copy it?

How I Moved Through It:

I realized that this fear wasn’t a good enough reason to hold back. Here’s why:

😼Copycats can’t copy YOU. Your unique voice, expertise, and personal touch can’t be replicated.

😼Leaders get copied. If someone copies you, it means you’re ahead of the curve.

😼Action beats fear. Sitting in fear doesn’t protect you. Launching solidifies your place as the expert in your field.

And guess what? My course is thriving. It doesn’t matter if someone copies it because no one can deliver it like I do.

5. Fear of Change – "What If It Hurts My Existing Business?"

This was a big one. My first course was already successful. What if this new program cannibalized it? What if people bought it instead of my original course?

How I Moved Through It:

I reframed my thinking:

🧠These courses serve different people at different stages.

🧠My first course is perfect for beginners, while this new system is for experienced stylists looking to innovate.

​🧠Instead of hurting my business, it actually expanded my brand and gave my audience more options.

Learn the Advanced 16 Palette Seasonal Flow System

Deliver HIGHLY PERSONALISED Colour Analysis Consultations Online and Face-to-Face

14.png

The Truth About Fear – And Why It’s a Compass, Not a Stop Sign

The biggest lesson I’ve learned?

💡 Fear doesn’t mean STOP. It means you’re on the edge of something big.

If I had let fear win, I wouldn’t have this $10K launch under my belt. I wouldn’t have this newfound excitement for my work. And I wouldn’t be helping stylists bring a fresh, modern experience to their clients.

So, if you’re holding back on something right now, ask yourself:

What’s on the other side of my fear?

​Because chances are, it’s something bigger than you ever imagined.

Your Challenge: Take One Small Step Today

I don’t want this to be just another blog you read and forget. I want you to take action.

❓What’s one idea you’ve been sitting on?

❓Which of these fears is holding you back?

❓What’s ONE step you can take today to move past it?

Drop a comment through the speech bubble or DM me—I’d love to hear what you’re working on!

And if you’re ready to move past fear for good, check out my Stylepreneur Accelerator Membership, where I help personal stylists step into their leadership, launch with confidence, and build thriving businesses.

Fear is not your enemy. It’s your invitation to grow. 🚀

customer1 png

Hi, I'm Aileen Lane AICI CIP

6-Figure  Mentor To Personal Stylists

Empowering stylists to achieve financial and personal freedom while embodying their best, most authentic selves.

Exclusive For You

Free Online Colour Analysis Training

FREE TRAINING
How Image Consultants Can Be Fully Booked With Online Colour Analysis...
...using skills you already have!

Sign Up for my 3 part training Now and get The EXACT Same Strategy I used to go from having the odd client here and there to my first 10k month.